THE Malvern Hills area has received a grant of almost £60,000 to help in the battle against drugs.

The award of £58,600 comes from the Home Office's £70m Communities Against Drugs fund and will be used to try and break the link between Class A drugs and crime by offering treatment and support to drug-users.

The Home Office is encouraging crime-fighting partnerships to make tackling street crime a priority. Action taken could include high visibility policing in drug hotspots, supporting neighbourhood and street wardens, schemes for prolific offenders and support for victim's groups.

Jenny Lawrence, community safety officer at Malvern Hills District Council, said she was delighted with the award.

"We're progressing with the schemes, it should certainly help," she said.